Bartok Two Romanian Dances Op. 8a

[annm377]

Hello! I have begun working on Bartok Two Romanian Dances Op. 8a (1st movement), and I was wondering if anyone has any experience playing this piece who would maybe offer some advice or suggestions. I am particularly having trouble with the 3rd page--the chords with grace notes (measures 37-40). It does not seem like it should be difficult, but these grace notes and chords just do not feel natural when I play them. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to practice them? Any other advice on this piece would be greatly appreciated! I am preparing for a recital that is scheduled for this coming October. Thanks in advance!

[visitor]

looks pretty straightforward. they likely would NOT 'feel natural' their clusters or altered chords or fragments implying harmony (or an attempt to make quarter tones 'fit' into our notation).

just practice them slowly, repeatedly, release into each chord, reset /let go of tension, then release into the next, on and on.

play with whether you want 1 2 3 4 or 2 3 4 5 to handle them and just pick what works for you and your you're wired/put together.

Bartok at first is a bit like tryng to learn a foreign language, it's wonky at best when you're starting out, and sometimes you'll won't feel like it's nailed no matter what. still, i think it's easier than Brahms...Bartok was a  pianist and his music feels like it was composed at the keyboard with foresight on layout and orientation and how to not write it so it's harder than it needs to be, actually i'm thankful, could be way harder if had not been such a great pianist